Official Review: Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker

Juliana Chika · Post by **Juliana Chika** » 16 Oct 2022, 11:13

The review just reminded me of old traditional movie with African settings which appears captivating. Although I love adventurous books but I sincerely feel discouraged from further reading following the expression of immortality as a common way of life.
Notwithstanding, the review was a great job done.

Post by **Hager Salem** » 16 Oct 2022, 11:14

I'm reading this right now and I agree that the introduction was long. I finally got to the part where the story began so let's see what's waiting for us.

Cwaganagwa Dorothy · Post by **Cwaganagwa Dorothy** » 16 Oct 2022, 11:21

One of the things that caught my eye was the variety in regard to nature. I also did not like the relation between Grant and Irina. Thanks for your review. It is informative and a reminder of Zona.

tortle0o0 · Post by **tortle0o0** » 16 Oct 2022, 11:24

Wow! This books sounds so exciting! I am definitely going to give it a read, if not to see the expedition into this far-off land, then at least to find out what happened to the main character's uncle.

JSWorrilless · Post by **JSWorrilless** » 16 Oct 2022, 11:24

LV2R wrote: ↑11 Jun 2020, 20:16 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Zona: The Forbidden Land" by Fred G. Baker.]

4 out of 4 stars
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Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker is about a fictional adventure that will make you want to keep reading to find out more. Grant Taylor, a university professor from Elmhurst near Chicago, goes to Saint Petersburg, Russia, as he is an heir to his Uncle Randall’s home. Uncle Randall is missing from the last expedition into an unknown and forbidden zone near Siberia and declared dead. Grant finds his uncle’s journals and treasures hidden in his uncle’s house. There is an air of mystery and intrigue of this land called Zona. Events lead to another expedition that Grant goes on to hopefully find his uncle. The expedition team consists of Grant, Irina, a botanist, a zoologist, scientists, and security guards, all led by Colonel Volkov. Volkov was the only person to escape from the last expedition alive.

The book began by introducing some background and characters in Russia, laying a foundation for the rest of the book. Even though it was very interesting, I found myself wanting to get to the part of the expedition more quickly. Danger, suspense, romance, and mystery were all presented and played out at the beginning of the story. I liked how some names of Russian food, a few famous places, and a few Russian words were naturally included while Grant was in Saint Petersburg.

Most of the story was about the expedition to Zona. The convoy included eight big tractors pulling sleds, equipped with heavy machine guns and artillery. The team encountered a lot of problems along the way and struggled to survive. Many people died from wild animal attacks and complications. Some of the animals were extremely large and vicious.

I liked the descriptions of the land and animals of Zona. I really enjoyed reading the book, not only because of the content but also because it was so well-written. It was like going on the expedition safely with the team and not actually being in any danger. I enjoyed reading how the expedition team had to work together and how they set up camp. I especially liked the part towards the end about Grant’s special ability with the wolves and how the survivors started thriving on the land. I really wanted to know if Grant would find his uncle dead or alive. You will have to read the book to find out the answer!

I did not like how the team members drank a lot of alcohol, which caused other problems for the expedition. The team’s problems made me not want to actually be on the expedition, besides battling the cold weather and the extraordinary ferocious animals. I least liked that Grant was in a sexual relationship with Irina, who he was not sure he could even trust, and he also slept with several women.

The book was edited very well, as I did not notice any errors. The expedition to Zona made me feel like I was there with the scientists observing the plant and animal life. At times, I even felt afraid and uncomfortable about the weather and the animal attacks. The book leaves the reader wanting to know more and hoping for a sequel. I rate Zona: The Forbidden Land 4 out of 4 stars. If you like to read about scientific expeditions into unknown lands, this book is for you. Due to sexual activity and many deaths, this book is not intended for children to read.

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Zona: The Forbidden Land
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As one who read the book not too long ago, I couldn't agree more! I loved the suspense emanating from the characters knowing their expedition is dangerous and going on anyway. It is an interesting read.

Faisal Kurfi · Post by **Faisal Kurfi** » 16 Oct 2022, 11:33

Considering your description of the weather conditions, the missing uncle, the forbidden zone and a whole lot more, I reckon these are all good fits for a great adventure story. Congratulations on a great review.

Summer Henrietta · Post by **Summer Henrietta** » 16 Oct 2022, 11:35

This is a very honest review. A book with suspense that leaves me in anticipation is a must read. Was Uncle Randall found? I guess I have to find out from this book.
I look forward to reading this book.

Nemanja Jankovic · Post by **Nemanja Jankovic** » 16 Oct 2022, 11:58

Fred G. Baker did an outstanding prep job before writing the book. Thanks to the authentic characters and the background in Russia, I think it will be easy for readers to relate to the plot of the novel.

buttercake20+_Modupe Bello · 16 Oct 2022, 12:07

I absolutely love this review. I can sense the reviewer's sincerity to the adventure. This seems like a book I would love to pick up. The adventure, the suspense, the mystery, all wrapped in one big adventure with twists and turns, challenges and solutions. It would be an intriguing read.

Yvonne Monique · Post by **Yvonne Monique** » 16 Oct 2022, 12:17

The description of this fictional expedition sounds like a very suspenseful read.

Post by **Zainab Wasif** » 16 Oct 2022, 12:19

Seems like a great mystery full of adventure and thrill. I always wonder what expeditions are like when many lives are hanging by a thread. Thanks for an excellent review!

Amina Yusuf · Post by **Amina Yusuf** » 16 Oct 2022, 12:24

Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker, sounds like a engaging adventure story into unknown lands with danger lurking in every corner. I wonder if Grant did find his missing uncle.

Mojolaoluwa Idowu · Post by **Mojolaoluwa Idowu** » 16 Oct 2022, 12:31

Great review. I would like to know more about the expedition.

Chimereucheya Okoroafo · Post by **Chimereucheya Okoroafo** » 16 Oct 2022, 12:50

This book is an outstanding work. I've read this book and I must say that I was impressed. The level of suspense and mystery is commendable. I was totally intrigued by the story in all its turns. The only issue was that some parts like the missing documents and Oleg's case wasn't concluded. Nice review.